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United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (UN OIOS) 26 May 2005 report titled "Audit of UNHCR Operations in Mexico [AR2004-151-01]" relating to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The report runs to 12 printed pages.

Simple text version follows

UNITED NATIONS
Office of Internal Oversight Services
UNHCR Audit Service
Assignment AR2004/151/01 26 May 2005
Audit Report R05/R006
AUDIT OF UNHCR OPERATIONS IN MEXICO
Auditors:
Rachel Roy
Humphrey Kagunda
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
Office of Internal Oversight Services
UNHCR Audit Service
AUDIT OF UNHCR OPERATIONS IN MEXICO (AR2004/151/01)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In December 2004, OIOS conducted an audit of UNHCR Operations in Mexico. The audit
covered activities with a total expenditure of US$ 3 million in the years 2003 and 2004. Audit
Observations were shared with the Regional Representative in January 2005, on which comments
were received by February 2005. The Regional Representative has accepted the recommendations
made and is in the process of implementing them.
Overall Assessment
� OIOS assessed the UNHCR Operation in Mexico as above average. Overall, it was well run,
and although some weaknesses in the application of internal controls were identified, the
weaknesses concerned were not sufficiently critical to compromise the overall system of
internal control.
Programme Management
� For the two partners reviewed, reasonable assurance could be taken that UNHCR funds were
properly accounted for and disbursed in accordance with the Sub-agreements.
� Project financial and performance monitoring was adequately performed. Some improvements
to the documenting of the monitoring missions carried in the region were required to ensure
coverage of all main issues and to facilitate follow-up.
� OIOS noted significant delays for the Eligibility Committee (EC) to take a final decision on the
RSD process. This has financial implications for UNHCR since it implies an extension of the
duration of the assistance by a few months. In principle, the UNHCR assistance to refugees in
Mexico is initiated when the temporary residency documents are issued, approximately a
month after a favourable EC decision.
� This structural problem in the RSD process emphasizes the need for the Regional
Representation to obtain from Sin Fronteras, the implementing partner in charge of providing
assistance, more detailed information on the cost of assistance at the various steps of the RSD
process.
Supply Management
� The receivable for VAT currently exceeds US$ 300,000 in spite of a write-off of US$ 190,000
approved by the High Commissioner in 2002. The amount of VAT recorded as a receivable is
continually increasing since a law reform passed in 1998 restricts VAT reimbursement to major
purchases of only some commodities, in violation of its obligations under the Convention on
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
Security and Safety
� The Regional Representative has demonstrated its security awareness and has undertaken
measures to improve security such as providing basic security training to all staff members and
the reinforcement of the security measures at the entrance to the building and the UNHCR
premises. Additional measures need to be taken by UNHCR on training on fire and security
evacuation.
� The security measures for the UN in general in Mexico needed however to be improved. The
main security risks are related to the building where UNHCR premises and most of the UN
agencies operating in Mexico City are located given that the underground parking is not
controlled by the UN, there are no barriers and outer perimeter and shatter resistant film have
not yet been installed.
Administration
� In the areas of administration and finance, the UNHCR Offices in Mexico generally complied
with UNHCR's regulations, rules, policies and procedures and controls were operating
effectively during the period under review.
- May 2005-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER Paragraphs
I. INTRODUCTION 1-4
II. AUDIT OBJECTIVES 5
III. AUDIT SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY 6-9
IV. AUDIT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Review of Implementing Partners 10-25
B. Other Programme Issues 26-28
C. Supply Management 29-34
D. Security and Safety 36-37
E. Administration 38-41
V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 42
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. INTRODUCTION
1. From 30 November to 14 December 2004, OIOS conducted an audit of UNHCR's
Operations in Mexico. The audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards for
the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. OIOS reviewed the activities of the UNHCR
Regional Representation in Mexico City (ROMEX) and of two of its implementing partners.
2. OIOS' previous audit of UNHCR in Mexico was conducted in March 2000. The audit
focused on 1998 and 1999 projects covering expenditure of US$ 13.8 million. The follow-up done
during the current OIOS' mission indicated that most of the recommendations made in 2000 were
implemented.
3. Given a gradual scaling down of its presence in Mexico, the focus of UNHCR's role has
evolved from protection and local integration to broader protection issues. UNHCR focuses on the
development of mechanisms for Mexico's support and interest for refugee rights namely by
providing training and technical support to Government agencies and in supervising access to
asylum seekers in the context of migration control. ROMEX also organized an Annual Regional
Protection Network meeting where stakeholder organizations in refugee and asylum matters were
trained. Since 2003 material assistance is only provided to new arrivals and vulnerable refugees. A
micro-finance programme was initiated in 2004 to assist the refugees in becoming self-sufficient.
4. The findings and recommendations contained in this report have been discussed with the
officials responsible for the audited activities during the exit conference held on 14 December 2004.
Audit Observations detailing the audit findings and recommendations were shared with the
Regional Representative in January 2005. The comments, which were received in February 2005,
are reflected in this report. ROMEX has accepted the audit recommendations made and is in the
process of implementing them.
II. AUDIT OBJECTIVES
5. The main objectives of the audit were to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of controls
to ensure:
� Reliability and integrity of financial and operational information;
� Effectiveness and efficiency of operations;
� Safeguarding of assets; and,
� Compliance with regulations and rules, Letters of Instruction and Sub-agreements.
III. AUDIT SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
6. The audit focused on 2003 and 2004 programme activities under projects 03/ and
04/AB/NLA/LS/400; 03/ and 04/AB/NLA/LS/402 and; 03/04/AB/NLA/LS/405 with expenditure of
US$ 2.4 million. Our review concentrated on the activities implemented by Comisi�n Mexicana de
Ayuda a Refugiados (COMAR) - expenditure of US$ 363,700 and Sin Fronteras (SF) - expenditure
of US$ 592,900. We also reviewed activities directly implemented by UNHCR with expenditure of
US$ 208,000.
7. The audit reviewed the administration of ROMEX with administrative expenditures totalling
US$ 620,000 for the years 2003 and 2004 and assets with an acquisition value of US$ 1.5 million
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
and a current value of US$ 116,000. The number of staff working for the UNHCR Operation in
Mexico was 23. This included 17 staff on regular posts, three United Nations Volunteers, two
consultants based in Cuba and a Fundacion Galileo employee (the service provider for the Spanish
Website).
8. The audit also followed up on findings and recommendations made in the 2000 OIOS audit.
Since the previous OIOS audit, the activities in Mexico have drastically changed in terms of nature
and magnitude. Our follow-up therefore covered only the issues considered still relevant which
were mainly related to the implementing partner activities such as the closure of the Trust Funds for
Land and Micro-Credit, the naturalization of refugees, and the private use of vehicles.
9. The audit activities included a review and assessment of internal control systems, interviews
with staff, analysis of applicable data and a review of the available documents and other relevant
records.
IV. AUDIT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Review of Implementing Partners
10. For the two partners reviewed COMAR and SF, reasonable assurance could be taken that
UNHCR funds were properly accounted for and disbursed in accordance with the Sub-agreements.
11. COMAR and SF maintained computerized accounting records, which were adequate for
budgetary control and reporting to UNHCR. Their respective internal control system was operating
adequately in terms of segregation of duties, supervision, documentation of transactions and
evidence of the controls on authorization and approval of payments. Both partners maintained an
interest bearing bank account and reported interest to UNHCR. A panel of bank signatories was
established and the account was operated on a joint signatory basis. Bank reconciliations were
performed on a monthly basis.
12. Audit certificates for all partners were received. COMAR's accounts for 2003 were audited
by �rgano Interno de Control (OIC) en la Secretaria de Gobernaci�n, and although this
organization reviewed the accounts and issued observations, no opinion was expressed on the
UNHCR sub-project nor was a separate UNHCR expenditure statement attached to their report.
OIOS recommended that ROMEX obtain from COMAR an audit certificate, which includes their
opinion on the UNHCR sub-projects. ROMEX indicated that such request was done.
13. SF submitted for the years 2002 and 2003 an audit certificate relating to its global financial
statements. As a national NGO, this did not comply with the requirements of the Sub-agreement, as
it does not provide specific information on the financial situation of the UNHCR sub-project. OIOS
recommended that ROMEX request SF to submit an audit certificate providing the required
information on the UNHCR sub-project. ROMEX stated that starting in 2005 SF was requested to
submit an audit certificate providing the necessary information on the UNHCR sub-project.
(a) COMAR
14. COMAR, an agency of the Ministry of Interior, grants protection and legal status to refugees
and ensures the coordination of the provision of assistance. Since the signature of the 1951 Convention
by the Government of Mexico, COMAR is in charge of the RSD process from the reception of the
newly arrived asylum seekers to the submission of the case to the Eligibility Committee (EC). A total
of 428 requests for refugee status were made in 2004 (11 months) and 342 in 2003.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3
15. COMAR is responsible for conducting the interviews, for analyzing the information
obtained, for performing investigation, if necessary, for documenting the file and for submitting it to
the Working Group (WG). It usually takes between one to two months to reach this stage. The WG
members meet weekly to issue a recommendation to the EC. Based on the WG recommendation,
asylum seekers may be authorized to leave the Migration Centre. As soon as they leave the
Migration Centre, SF assists asylum seekers without financial resources by the provision of food
and accommodation. The assistance is extended until the refugee has been given the temporary
residency documents, i.e. approximately 30 to 40 days after the decision of the EC.
16. Due to its composition (high-ranking officials), the EC cannot meet more than an average of
four times a year. This results in significant delays (usually two to three months) for the EC to take
decisions. OIOS was informed that the Government envisages releasing the asylum seekers from the
Migration Centre soon after the interview in cases where the first result of the interview is positive.
Although OIOS is highly in favour of such a measure, action would be needed to find
accommodation for these asylum seekers.
17. Considering that delays have a financial impact on programme expenditure, UNHCR should
take all possible action to reduce them. Many decisions of the EC do not require a discussion but
could be taken on the basis of the WG's recommendation, which could shorten the procedure. OIOS
recommended that ROMEX discuss with the members of the EC the adoption of fast-track
procedures to reduce the duration of the RSD process. For example, straightforward cases, which do
not require extensive discussions, could be circulated to the members of the EC for their decision.
ROMEX indicated that they are working actively in promoting the adoption by Congress of a draft
law, drafted with UNHCR's advice, which will modify the current legislation and contribute to
solving this problem.
Recommendation:
The UNHCR Regional Representation in Mexico should continue
promoting the adoption by Congress of a draft law, which will
modify the current legislation. In case such a measure is not
successful, other action should be envisaged to reduce the duration
of the RSD process (Rec. 01).
Follow-up of Previous OIOS Audit
18. OIOS' recommendations made in 2000 were not fully implemented. For instance, COMAR
continued to borrow UNHCR funds for a Government project. Although the money was later
reimbursed to the UNHCR project, such a practice is contrary to UNHCR rules and procedures and
should be discontinued. ROMEX indicated that COMAR has committed itself to desist from this
practice. COMAR did not take timely action to stop the private use of UNHCR vehicles. In
September 2004, COMAR had to reimburse UNHCR for a project vehicle, which was stolen when
it was being used by a COMAR staff member for private purposes outside of working hours. It was
only after this incident that strict instructions were issued to stop the private use of UNHCR
vehicles by COMAR staff.
19. Following the issuance of the previous OIOS report, the Government has agreed to absorb
most of the costs related to the naturalization of refugees. Its contribution for finalizing the
naturalization programme has been estimated at MN$ 2,600,000 (approx. US$ 236,000).
20. In 2000, a significant number of projects were being implemented with the Trust Funds for
Land and Micro-Credit made available by UNHCR. Due to staff rotation in ROMEX and in
COMAR, it was not possible to verify the micro-credit funds and to determine whether the reporting
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
and hand-over procedures had been conducted in a satisfactory manner. Regarding the Trust Fund
for Land, UNHCR's involvement resulted in the signature of an agreement for the final transfer of
property to the former Guatemalan refugees locally settled by the Government of Mexico.
(b) Sin Fronteras
21. SF provides assistance to urban refugees living in Mexico covering the sectors of domestic
needs, health-nutrition, community services and legal assistance.
22. The report that SF submits to UNHCR does not give details on the assistance provided, in
particular on the number of beneficiaries and the amount of assistance paid at the various steps of
the RSD process. In principle, financial assistance is provided to refugees in Mexico for a
maximum of three months following the issuance of the migration documents. Financial assistance
and hotel accommodation are however provided when asylum seekers leave the Migration Centre.
23. Given that this period tends to be longer, OIOS believes that, for monitoring and planning
purposes, ROMEX needs data on the cost of the assistance provided before the issuance of the
migration documents, the three months of assistance paid at the issuance of the migration
documents and any additional assistance paid afterwards. OIOS recommended that ROMEX request
SF to report on the assistance provided to asylum seekers and recognized refugees at various steps
of the RSD process and after the payment of the standard assistance foreseen for three months.
ROMEX indicated that they will follow the recommendation.
Contractual status of staff
24. SF is currently modifying the contract of its staff to consultancy contracts to avoid paying
the employer's contribution to the Instituto mexicano del seguro social (IMSS) equivalent to 40
percent of the gross salaries paid. In his report, the external auditor refers to the possibility that
IMSS may not accept the contractual status of the staff working for the project. An eventual
retroactive revision of the contribution to IMSS would have significant impact on project
expenditures. OIOS recommended that ROMEX ensure that SF is not using contractual
arrangements for project staff, which may be contested by the social security authorities and may
lead to financial liabilities for the UNHCR project. ROMEX indicated that in 2005 SF would
change the employment contracts of its staff to "regimen de honorarios", commonly used in Mexico
by government and non-government institutions.
25. In providing assistance, SF procures some services, such as hotel accommodation for asylum
seekers, for which the number of beneficiaries is increasing. In October 2004, 39 persons were
accommodated in hotels compared to only 12 in December 2003. The previous OIOS audit had
recommended that the process for the selection of services be made competitively and be adequately
documented. OIOS did not note significant improvement in this regard. The selection of the hotel
is made after a prior visit to ensure that it meets the requirements. Although this visit includes a
negotiation of the price, this is not documented. OIOS recommended that ROMEX request SF to
properly document the selection of hotels for the accommodation of asylum seekers as well as the
services provided. ROMEX indicate that they will endeavor to work with SF at finding the least
costly accommodation for asylum seekers in 2005. Meanwhile SF will be requested to properly
document the selection of hotels for the accommodation of the asylum seekers.
B. Other Programme Issues
26. OIOS assessed that project financial monitoring was competently performed. ROMEX
carried out regular missions in the region (Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
and Cuba) and mission reports were usually prepared. Some improvements were however required
in planning and documenting the monitoring of activities where programme activities were carried
out by implementing partners. The mission reports did not provide comparable information on the
monitoring exercises made and did not evidence that all significant aspects of programme
management were regularly reviewed.
27. To facilitate subsequent monitoring missions and to ensure a regular follow-up of previous
missions, OIOS recommended that ROMEX establish standard terms of reference (TOR) for
monitoring missions, prepare a checklist of monitoring activities and maintain current and
permanent files for each implementing partner. ROMEX indicated that standard TOR and a
checklist were being prepared and would be used to undertake regular monitoring missions.
Documents supporting the verification procedures shall be collected and current and permanent
files shall be opened and maintained.
Micro-Finance
28. UNHCR initiated a micro-finance programme as of December 2003. A contribution of
US$15,000 was made and a further US$10,000 is envisaged. For the implementation of this activity,
UNHCR is working with SF and a micro-finance institution, the Fundaci�n Dignidad (FD). OIOS
found that appropriate pre-screening was conducted, refugee performance was monitored on a
regular basis and guidance was provided where required. Also, monthly meetings were held to
discuss individual projects. FD conducts regular site visits as part of its programme to ensure that
refugee projects are functioning as envisaged and to provide professional guidance where necessary.
For the current size of the projects, OIOS considers the current system of monitoring performance
as adequate. However, given that the number of projects is expected to grow and with a larger
portfolio, OIOS recommended that additional financial indicators and information be requested to
facilitate the financial monitoring, which was agreed by ROMEX.
C. Supply Management
Procurement process
29. ROMEX did not fully comply with UNHCR procurement rules and procedures. There was
no focal point for procurement, a Local Contracts Committee (LCC) was not established and the
documenting of procedures was weak. There was not always an invitation to bid or a request for
quotation, a tabulation of bids was not always prepared, the offers received were not always for
similar goods and services, and a purchase order was not always sent to the selected supplier. OIOS
recommended that ROMEX designate a focal point for procurement, establish a LCC, better
document the procurement process and, maintain procurement files containing evidence of
compliance with the UNHCR procurement rules and procedures. ROMEX indicated that a LCC
was to be created with immediate effect and that adequate procurement files had been opened in
January 2005.
30. Due to its regional responsibility, ROMEX often procured plane tickets for regional
activities. Since 2002, an amount of US$ 190,000 was paid to the same travel agency. There was
no evidence of price comparisons or a contractual agreement with the supplier to ensure competitive
prices. In 2003, the UNDP Resident Coordinator appointed a task force composed of UN Agencies
including UNHCR staff to look into the issue of travel. The procedures to select a new travel agency
for all UN agencies operating in Mexico have been initiated. The request to bid prepared is
awaiting the approval of the standing committee in Mexico.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
VAT
31. In December 2002, the High Commissioner approved the write off of an amount of US$
190,957 representing unrecoverable VAT paid between 1992 and 1996. ROMEX could not
substantiate the amount, as it was transferred in bulk when UNHCR took over the management of
VAT from UNOG in 1997. Despite of the significant amount written off, the balance of receivables
for VAT recorded since 1 January 1998 exceeds US$ 300,000. The amount has accumulated due to
the passing of a VAT law reform, which the Government of Mexico introduced in late 1998. This
law restricts the reimbursement of VAT to major purchases and only for some commodities. As a
consequence, the total amount of VAT recorded as a receivable has been continually increasing for
the last four years. Out of the US$ 360,000 paid and recorded since January 2000, only
approximately US$ 68,000 has been recovered.
32. A request for write-off of US$ 310,000 for VAT paid between January 1998 and December
2002 was submitted to the Headquarter Asset Management Board (HAMB) in early 2004. In April
2004, the HAMB submitted the request to the Financial Resources Service (FRS) for endorsement.
No decision has yet been taken. OIOS did not obtain any evidence that advice of the UNHCR Legal
Affairs Section (LAS) was sought on this particular request for write-off.
Recommendation:
The UNHCR Financial Resources Service should seek the advice
of the UNHCR Legal Affairs Section prior to endorsing any further
write-offs for outstanding VAT refunds in Mexico (Rec. 02).
33. To implement OIOS' recommendation made in 2000, ROMEX and the Bureau for the
Americas sought the advice of the UNHCR Legal Affairs Section (LAS) to determine whether the
decision of the Government of Mexico was common practice in the region by the States party to the
1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN. Various correspondences took place
between UNHCR and the Government of Mexico, in particular with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MFA) and the Treasury. The MFA agreed that UNHCR has the right to be reimbursed for all VAT
paid for humanitarian assistance. However, the Treasury maintains the current position that only
VAT on important purchase of goods for official purposes will be reimbursed.
34. Given that this does not solely affect UNHCR, LAS recommended that the VAT issue be
raised by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) on behalf of all UN agencies operating
in Mexico. In a letter to the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations, OLA pointed out
that Mexico was violating the Convention of Privileges and Immunities of United Nations and the
Cooperation Agreement between UNHCR and Mexico.
35. In view of the significant amounts at stake and in view of the fact that the practice adopted
by the Mexican authorities is in violation of international law, OIOS believes that UNHCR should
pursue the negotiations with the Government on this issue at the highest level.
D. Security and Safety
36. ROMEX has demonstrated its security awareness and undertaken measures to improve
security such as the installation of security doors at the entrance of UNHCR office premises, access
control over the visitors entering in the UN building, basic security training done by all staff
members and regular participation to the Security Management Team meetings. ROMEX is MOSS
compliant except that the warden system has not yet been fully implemented. Additional measures
need to be taken by UNHCR on training on fire and security evacuation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
37. UNHCR has also corresponded with UN central administration in Mexico on security
matters. UNHCR drafted a Note Verbale to the Government of Mexico to improve the security
measures for the UN. The main security risks are related to the building where UNHCR premises
are located given that the underground parking is not controlled by the UN, there are no barriers,
outer perimeter and shatter resistant film have not yet been installed.
E. Administration
38. In the areas of administration and finance, ROMEX generally complied with UNHCR's
regulations, rules, policies and procedures and controls were operating effectively during the period
under review.
Cash management procedures for Field Office, Tapachula
39. Since the transfer of the Sub-Office Comitan's activities to Field Office (FO), Tapachula at
the end of 2002, ROMEX has not established adequate banking and cash management procedures.
Also, no petty cash imprest system or other operational cash system has been authorized. Advances
of up to MN$ 10,000 (US$ 875) were paid and monitored through a receivable account. When
additional funds were required for operational reasons, advances were paid, but recorded directly as
expenditures. The advanced amounts were deposited in the personal bank account of the Field
Assistant based in Tapachula. Such a practice contravenes UNHCR rules and procedures.
40. The above arrangement does not allow for proper segregation of duties given that the same
person is responsible for receiving the advance, making payments and subsequently reporting on the
expenditure incurred. We also noted that some payments were made and recorded on the basis of
either a pro-forma invoice or a memorandum by the Field Assistant, which reduces the effectiveness
of the financial controls over payments. OIOS recommended that ROMEX establish a formal cash
procedure for FO, Tapachula. A request to establish a petty cash balance imprest system with an
appropriate ceiling should be addressed to FRS. A separate cashbook should be opened and proper
delegation of signing authority should be effected. A petty cash balance and cashbook were
authorised by FRS and opened in FMIS for FO Tapachula as of January 2005. Replenishments are
to be sent through a bank order addressed to the custodian of this petty cash.
Cuba Expenses
41. Following the introduction of the Atlas system by UNDP in January 2004, ROMEX is no
longer provided with a copy of the supporting documents for payments and therefore, cannot fully
verify the charges made. In addition, ROMEX does not have the necessary resources for monitoring
individual assistance paid on a long-term basis, which is the case in Cuba. OIOS recommended that
measures be taken either to provide ROMEX with the supporting documents to verify the payments
made and to ensure that the accounting system can provide a list of payments by beneficiary for the
projects implemented in Cuba. Since the OIOS mission, the UNHCR consultants in Cuba send on a
monthly basis scanned supporting documents of payments made by UNDP on behalf of UNHCR.
Establishing a list of payment per beneficiary is however not feasible considering the cost involved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
42. I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and cooperation extended to the auditors
by the staff of UNHCR and implementing partners in Mexico.
Egbert C. Kaltenbach, Chief
UNHCR Audit Service
Office of Internal Oversight Services
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------